LOS ANGELES (Braziliannites.com) - Brazilian Carnaval has been held at the Hollywood Palladium for 9 years and is the largest party in Southern California and a much-anticipated event by Brazilians and non-Brazilians alike. At the heart of Brazilian Carnaval 2002 is the samba school, an integral part of carnaval in Rio. Renowned Samba School Imperatriz will perform at the Hollywood Palladium on Saturday Feb 9th, 2002. The party, which lasts from 8:00p.m. to 2:00 a.m., also features Katia Moraes and Badue Band performing carnaval rhythms from Salvador. Don't miss the stunning TropiDANZA Dancers, plus a costume contest. Best costume wins a trip to Brazil, courtsey of Varig Brazilian Airlines. Food, Booths of Arts and Crafts of Brazil, nonstop dancing, and nonstop floor entertainment. Part of the proceeds will be generously donated to the Red Cross.
Imperatriz, winner of Rio's Carnaval for the past three consecutive years is the only samba school that represents the carioca suburbs of the Leopoldina District. Located in the suburb of Ramos, Imperatriz represents each of the other districts in their flag with a golden star. The Leopoldina area, a very traditional one, has always preserved the popular culture of Rio de Janeiro. The quality of its carnival and capabilities of its sambistas (samba dancers and singers) in this region of Rio has always been as important and as famous as the rival suburbs of the central area.
It houses the biggest and most representative pre-carnival event- the Feast of Penha - a traditional gathering of sambistas and the launching of the music and lyrics especially composed for each year's carnival. There you also may find the largest and most famous "Bloco Carnavalesco" of Rio de Janeiro - the Cacique de Ramos, a landmark in the carnival festivities. It was in this melting pot of Brazilian culture where the Imperatriz Leopoldinense was founded.
The Imperatriz, as the samba school is affectionately called, was established on the 6th of March, 1959 and, through 36 carnivals, has brought about a revival of its ancestry's great glory, the Recreio de Ramos. Its sambistas are very innovative and were the first to create a cultural department in a samba school, taking from literature and modern Brazilian art the themes for their plots. Early on, they threatened competing samba schools with the saying "Small vials hold the deadliest poison". True to their words, they have been first in eight championships (1980, 1981, 1989, 1994, 1995, 1999, 2000, 2001).
Also performing is the stunning Brazilian singer and songwriter K�tia Moraes. She began her career in Rio de Janeiro in 1985 as part of the "O Esp�rito da Coisa"- a vocal-theatrical group that hit the charts with "Slightly Pregnant". She has performed and/or recorded with top Brazilian acts like S�rgio Mendes, Rita Lee, and Banda Cheir de Amor. After moving to Los Angeles in 1990, K�tia formedThe Rio Thing band while lending her voice to films and television for dubbing and voice-overs. In 1991 she wrote the lyrics and recorded the track "Chegando" (Arriving) in the Dance Around the World CD for Rhythm Safari Records. In 1994 she formed Brasil Nuts. Katia has released 2 Cds in the US and has performed all over Southern California, including opening for Gilberto Gil at the House of Blues. Katia Moraes will be performing at the Hollywood Palladium Carnaval 2002 with the Badau� Band.
A new addition to the L.A. Latin music scene, Badau� brings the rhythms and sounds of Brazil to Southern California audiences. Badau� is a seven-piece ensemble specializing in the popular dance music of northeast Bazil, such as ax�, forr�, samba-reggae, and samba. Badau� also mixes a variety of other Latin and Caribbean styles, including cumbia, soca, reggae and salsa.
Also present are the TropiDANZA Dancers, led by director-choreographer Leila Flores, in their Carnaval samba-feather-sequined-bikini outfits. They complete the party with their performances of the traditional samba, lambada, frevo, and capoeira, a traditional martial arts dance. Comprised of a diverse team of talented dancers, this local ensemble of 20 radiates with sheer energy and passion.
A costume contest with great prizes, including a trip to Rio de Janeiro courtesy of Varig Brazilian Airlines, is open to all partygoers. Authentic Brazilian food as well as crafts, clothing and a variety of Brazilian items will be available for purchase. We encourage participants to bring a camera and take pictures of this unforgettable night.
This event is sponsored in part by Varig Brazilian Airlines, Dish Network, REMO Inc., Pelourinho.com and El Indio Mexicano Restaurant. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross.
Admission to Brazilian Carnaval 2001 is 21 and over only.
Date: Saturday, February 9, 2002
8:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Tickets: $30 for general admission and $40 for reserved table seating, are available from Ticket Master outlets at Tower Records, Robinson May, The Wherehouse, Tu Musica and Ritmo Latino or via the internet at www.ticketmaster.com.
Tickets will also be available at the door for $35 general admission and $45 for reserved table seating. For group discounts and information, call (818) 566-1111.
The Hollywood Palladium is located at 6215 Sunset Blvd near Vine St. in the city of Hollywood. Parking on site is available for a fee at Five Star Parking.
Information & Mailing List : (818) 566-1111 or www.BrazilianNites.com
